DOT Awards $19.4M to Central Southern Construction for Natchez Trace Parkway Resurfacing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,430,502 ($19.4M)

Contractor: Central Southern Construction Corp.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-06-29

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,371 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THIS PROJECT CONSISTS OF RESURFACING THE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY, INCLUDING RAMPS, BRIDGES, INTERSECTIONS, VARIOUS ACCESS ROADS, AND PARKING/PULL-OFF AREAS. THE WORK WILL INCLUDE ASPHALT OVERLAY, SIDESLOPE REPAIRS, WEDGE AND LEVELING, SPOT PATCHING, AN

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ALBANY, PONTOTOC County, MISSISSIPPI, 38652

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $19.4 million to CENTRAL SOUTHERN CONSTRUCTION CORP. for work described as: THIS PROJECT CONSISTS OF RESURFACING THE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY, INCLUDING RAMPS, BRIDGES, INTERSECTIONS, VARIOUS ACCESS ROADS, AND PARKING/PULL-OFF AREAS. THE WORK WILL INCLUDE ASPHALT OVERLAY, SIDESLOPE REPAIRS, WEDGE AND LEVELING, SPOT PATCHING, AN Key points: 1. The project focuses on resurfacing a significant portion of the Natchez Trace Parkway, including critical infrastructure like ramps and bridges. 2. Central Southern Construction Corp. secured the contract, indicating their competitive bid within the highway construction sector. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the long duration presents potential risks. 4. This spending falls within the broader Federal Highway Administration's infrastructure maintenance and improvement budget.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.4 million for resurfacing a large section of a national parkway appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar large-scale highway resurfacing projects would provide a more precise assessment, but the scope suggests a competitive price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' suggesting a competitive bidding process was utilized. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure maintenance, ensuring the longevity and safety of a national parkway, which is a prudent use of public money.

Public Impact

Improved road conditions and safety for users of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Preservation of a historic and scenic national parkway for future generations. Economic activity generated through construction jobs and material procurement in Mississippi. Potential for increased tourism due to better road accessibility and aesthetics.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long project duration (over 3 years) increases risk of cost overruns due to inflation or unforeseen issues.
Potential for weather-related delays impacting the schedule and final cost.
Scope creep could occur if additional repairs are identified during the resurfacing process.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract helps mitigate cost uncertainty.
Competition ensures a reasonable initial price.
Project addresses critical infrastructure maintenance needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction sector, a significant area of federal spending for infrastructure maintenance and development. Benchmarks for similar large-scale resurfacing projects would typically be in the tens of millions, aligning with this award.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is Central Southern Construction Corp., the contract details do not specify any subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the project.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Highway Administration is responsible for overseeing this contract. Regular progress reports, site inspections, and adherence to contract specifications are key oversight mechanisms to ensure project completion and quality.

Related Government Programs

Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Highway Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Long project duration increases risk.
Potential for weather-related delays.
Scope creep possibility.
Lack of explicit small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $19.4 million to CENTRAL SOUTHERN CONSTRUCTION CORP.. THIS PROJECT CONSISTS OF RESURFACING THE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY, INCLUDING RAMPS, BRIDGES, INTERSECTIONS, VARIOUS ACCESS ROADS, AND PARKING/PULL-OFF AREAS. THE WORK WILL INCLUDE ASPHALT OVERLAY, SIDESLOPE REPAIRS, WEDGE AND LEVELING, SPOT PATCHING, AN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CENTRAL SOUTHERN CONSTRUCTION CORP..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-29. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the estimated cost per lane mile for this resurfacing project, and how does it compare to national averages?

Calculating the exact cost per lane mile requires detailed information on the total lane miles being resurfaced, which is not provided in the data. However, given the $19.4 million award and the extensive scope, the cost per lane mile is likely within the typical range for major highway resurfacing projects, which can vary significantly based on location, materials, and complexity.

What specific risks are associated with the long project duration, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks of a long duration include potential cost increases due to inflation, material price volatility, and unforeseen site conditions. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract clauses addressing escalation, contingency planning for unexpected issues, and proactive project management to maintain schedule adherence and minimize disruptions.

How will the effectiveness of the resurfacing be measured to ensure long-term durability and user satisfaction?

Effectiveness is typically measured through adherence to material specifications, quality control testing during construction (e.g., asphalt density, smoothness), and post-construction inspections. Long-term durability is assessed through periodic pavement condition surveys and user feedback mechanisms, ensuring the investment provides lasting benefits.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 693C7323B000008

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 119 SEWALD ST, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32204

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,430,502

Exercised Options: $19,430,502

Current Obligation: $19,430,502

Actual Outlays: $18,288,130

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $5,259,870

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline